---
title: "7 Essential Wallpaper Tools Under $20"
date: "2015-06-02"
modified: "2019-05-06"
authors:
  - name: "Jennifer Noonan"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer"
    link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/jennifer-noonan/"
url: "https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/7-essential-wallpaper-tools-under-20-48912/"
categories:
  - "DIY"
  - "Interior"
  - "Paints & Finishes"
  - "Tools"
tags:
  - "tools"
  - "wallpaper"
---

# 7 Essential Wallpaper Tools Under $20

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/wallpaper-tools-2.jpg>)

### The Art of Wallpaper

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/wallpaper-hanging-2.jpg>)
*fotosearch.com*

There's an art to wallpapering, and it can take years for a professional to perfect his technique. That said, thanks to newer and better materials, even the average do-it-yourselfer can now achieve satisfying results with wallpaper. Patience remains paramount—for pros and beginners alike. But equally important is to arm yourself with high-quality tools. You don't need an arsenal, only the essentials. Click through to find out what you don't want to do without.

### Wallcovering Knife

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/hyde_wallpaper_1.jpg>)
*hydestore.com*

With its generously sized, built-to-last hardwood handle, the [HYDE Wallcovering Knife](<https://hydestore.com/hyde-tools-31550-wallcovering-knife-with-1-blade.html>) affords both the leverage and control needed to trim wallpaper, evenly and accurately, on or off the wall. The single razor blade, held by a rust-resistant metal frame, swaps out safely and easily, without requiring additional tools. [Purchase from HYDE](<https://hydestore.com/hyde-tools-31550-wallcovering-knife-with-1-blade.html>), $3.40

### Wallcovering Tray

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/hyde_wallpaper_6.jpg>)
*hydestore.com*

This portable [Wallcovering Tray](<https://hydestore.com/hyde-tools-35600-prepasted-wallcovering-tray.html>) serves one of two purposes. If you’re not using it to soak (and thereby activate) pre-pasted wallpaper, then it also works great to hold the ready-to-hang paper you haven’t applied yet. For a streamlined prep process, get two of these heavy-duty standbys and waste neither time nor effort. [Purchase from HYDE](<https://hydestore.com/hyde-tools-35600-prepasted-wallcovering-tray.html>), $4.62

### Hardwood Roller

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/hyde_wallpaper_5.jpg>)
*hydestore.com*

For a better, longer-lasting hold and a more appealing, pro-quality look, use the [Hardwood Roller](<https://hydestore.com/hyde-tools-30160-hardwood-roller-1-1-4.html>) to secure and seal the seams between neighboring sheets of wallpaper. Without leaving any telltale tracks in its wake, the hardwood-and-steel tool eliminates unwanted gaps and curling with its smooth-rolling action. [Purchase from HYDE](<https://hydestore.com/hyde-tools-30160-hardwood-roller-1-1-4.html>), $6.36

### Smoothing Brush

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/hyde_wallpaper_4.jpg>)
*hydestore.com*

When hanging your wallpaper, eliminate bubbles and wrinkles—ensuring a strong, polished bond in the process—by means of a [Nylon Smoothing Brush](<https://hydestore.com/hyde-tools-35789-vinyl-smoothing-brush-12.html>). Ergonomically designed, with a hardwood handle contoured to fit comfortably in your hand, the foot-wide bristled helper requires only minimal pressure to be effective. [Purchase from HYDE](<https://hydestore.com/hyde-tools-35789-vinyl-smoothing-brush-12.html>), $3.12

### Wallpaper Scoring Tool

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/hyde_wallpaper_2.jpg>)
*hydestore.com*

Removing wallpaper can be a time-consuming task, but the right equipment hastens the process to a considerable degree. With stainless steel teeth, a [Scoring Tool](<https://hydestore.com/hyde-tools-33210-wallpaper-scoring-tool.html>) perforates hung wallpaper, allowing liquid removal solution to penetrate and loosen even stubborn adhesive—without damaging the underlying wall. [Purchase from HYDE](<https://hydestore.com/hyde-tools-33210-wallpaper-scoring-tool.html>), $12.97

### Wallpaper Shaver

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/hyde_wallpaper_3.jpg>)
*hydestore.com*

What wallpaper remover leaves behind, the [Wallpaper Shaver](<https://hydestore.com/hyde-tools-33110-metal-wallpaper-shaver-4.html>) eliminates for good. Its wide, specially angled, razor-sharp blade scrapes away wallpaper and paste residue, while the cushioned grip maximizes comfort and ease. Word to the wise: The tool also comes in handy for taking paint or adhesive off glass surfaces. [Purchase from HYDE,](<https://hydestore.com/hyde-tools-33110-metal-wallpaper-shaver-4.html>); $11.09

## Author
A confessed DIY junkie, Jennifer Noonan writes about home improvement, gardening, and all things do-it-yourself. The recipient of degrees in International Relations and Library & Information Science from Syracuse University, Noonan has worked in media and related fields for over 15 years, including her time at [MTV Networks](<https://www.paramount.com/about/brands/mtv>), where she served as Manager of Digital Programming at [Nickelodeon](<https://www.nickelodeon.com>). Today, Noonan lives in Delaware with her husband and daughters, where she is ardently teaching the next generation how to use power tools.

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-noonan-ab62a05/>)